Wedding Etiquette: E-Vites, Tacky Or Trendy?

The debate around electronic wedding invites is ongoing. While some people find them tacky, others believe they are a convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper invitations. Some of the concerns raised about electronic invites include the risk of them ending up in spam folders, guests forgetting to RSVP, and the preference for a more formal, traditional invitation, especially for older guests. However, proponents of electronic invites argue that they are a modern and convenient way to share wedding details, especially for tech-savvy guests. Ultimately, the decision rests with the couple, who may choose to use electronic invites, paper invitations, or a combination of both to suit their wedding style and guest preferences.

Pros of e-vites: cost-effective, convenient, eco-friendly

Wedding planning can be stressful, but e-vites make things easier by allowing you to create, send and manage your wedding invites online. They are cost-effective, convenient and eco-friendly.

Cost-effective

On average, couples across Australia spend about $800 on traditional wedding invitations, not including postage. E-vites are a great way to save money, with basic invites costing next to nothing. If you want a beautiful design, you can spend $50-$100 on a customised option.

Convenient

E-vites allow you to choose the design, send the invites and receive RSVPs all from your laptop. You can track everything online and see who is coming and who can't. Your guests will also thank you for choosing e-vites as they won't need to fill out and post RSVP cards.

Eco-friendly

E-vites are so eco-friendly! Everyone is much more aware of the damage that printing paper does to the environment. If your wedding has a 'green' theme, then an e-vite is essential.

Cons of e-vites: less formal, less reliable, less sentimental

Less Formal

E-vites are often considered less formal than traditional paper invitations. This is because they are usually associated with more casual events, such as birthdays or casual parties. If you're planning a formal or traditional wedding, paper invitations may be more appropriate to match the tone of your event.

Less Reliable

The reliability of e-vites is a common concern. They can easily get lost in spam folders or go unnoticed among the many emails we receive daily. This can lead to guests missing the invitation altogether or not taking it seriously, as some may perceive it as a save-the-date instead. Finalising the guest count may become more challenging, requiring follow-up calls or additional emails.

Less Sentimental

Written invitations hold sentimental value and are often kept as mementos by both the couple and their guests. They are seen as meaningful keepsakes that can be framed or displayed. On the other hand, printing out an email invitation doesn't carry the same weight or gravitas. It may not evoke the same sense of excitement or anticipation for your special day.

While e-vites offer convenience and cost savings, they may not be suitable for every wedding. It's essential to consider the potential drawbacks and decide what aligns best with your wedding vision and guest demographics.

E-vites may be suitable for casual weddings

The use of electronic wedding invitations, or "e-vites", has become an increasingly popular option for couples. While some may view this option as tacky or informal, it may be suitable and advantageous for casual weddings. Here are some reasons why e-vites could be a good choice for a more relaxed wedding celebration:

Cost-effectiveness:

E-vites are undoubtedly more cost-effective than traditional paper invitations. By opting for digital invites, you can save money on printing, paper, envelopes, and postage costs. This is especially beneficial if you're working with a tight wedding budget.

Eco-friendliness:

Choosing e-vites is an environmentally conscious decision. With no physical paper or envelopes, you're reducing waste and your carbon footprint. This option appeals to couples who prioritize sustainability and want to minimize the environmental impact of their wedding.

Convenience and Modernity:

E-vites offer convenience for both the couple and their guests. They are easily customizable, editable, and sendable with just a few clicks. Many guests appreciate the simplicity of opening an email, clicking a link, and RSVP'ing directly from their devices. Additionally, e-vites can be updated quickly if there are any changes to the wedding details, ensuring your guests always have the most up-to-date information.

Accessibility for Tech-Savvy Guests:

In today's digital age, most people regularly use technology and access the internet for various aspects of their lives. Sending e-vites aligns with this digital trend and can be a convenient option for your tech-savvy guests. They can easily access all the wedding information on their smartphones or devices without having to worry about misplacing a physical invitation.

Suitability for Casual Weddings:

If you're planning a casual, intimate, or non-traditional wedding, e-vites can be a perfect fit. They set a relaxed tone for your celebration and convey that your wedding is more laid-back and modern. E-vites are particularly well-suited for small weddings, backyard weddings, or weddings with a limited guest list.

While e-vites offer these benefits, it's important to consider potential drawbacks, such as the risk of emails landing in spam folders, older guests who may prefer traditional invitations, and the lack of a physical keepsake. However, if you're comfortable with these considerations and are planning a casual wedding, e-vites can be a suitable, convenient, and cost-effective choice.

Paper invites are more traditional and formal

The process of creating a paper invitation is also meaningful. From sifting through paper samples to selecting colours that align with your personal aesthetic, the time and effort that goes into creating a paper invitation cannot be ignored.

Paper invites are also more reliable. With 300 billion emails sent every day, it is easy for email invites to get lost in inboxes or end up in spam folders. Finalising the guest count will require tons of follow-up calls or more emails, which hardly saves time. Paper invites are also more accessible for guests of all ages and tech levels.

Paper invites are especially important for formal weddings. If your wedding includes a luxury venue, lots of guests, and traditions such as a sit-down dinner and a first dance, you may want the ritual of making and mailing custom invitations.

Paper invites are a keepsake

When it comes to wedding invites, there are many options to choose from. While some people opt for digital invites, others prefer the traditional paper invites. One of the main reasons why people choose paper invites is that they serve as a keepsake. Here are some reasons why paper invites are a cherished keepsake:

Sentimental Value

Paper invites hold sentimental value for both the couple and the guests. They are often framed and displayed in the couple's home, or even scrapped booked as a memento. Having a physical copy of the invite allows people to look back on the special day and reminisce. Some guests may also keep the invites as a reminder of the wedding, especially if they are unable to attend.

Personal Touch

Paper invites offer a personal touch that digital invites may lack. They allow the couple to choose the design, colours, graphics, and other elements that reflect their personality and wedding theme. The time and effort put into creating these invites add to their sentimental value.

Formality

Paper invites are often seen as more formal and traditional compared to digital invites. They set the tone for a grand affair, especially if the wedding includes other traditions such as a sit-down dinner and first dance. For a formal or semi-formal wedding, paper invites are usually preferred to maintain the ritual and formality of the event.

Functionality

While digital invites may seem more convenient, paper invites can actually be more functional. They can be easily displayed on refrigerators or bulletin boards, serving as a visual reminder of the upcoming event. Additionally, guests may find it easier to respond to paper invites, as they can simply fill out an RSVP card and mail it back, without having to worry about technology or potential issues with digital invites, such as emails ending up in spam folders.

Customisability

Paper invites offer a wide range of customisation options. Couples can choose from various types of cardstock, weights, textures, and finishes to create a unique and elegant invitation. From simple white cardstock to luxurious cotton cardstock, the possibilities are endless. Couples can also include additional enclosure cards, such as RSVP and detail cards, making the invitation suite even more special.

In conclusion, paper wedding invites are a cherished keepsake that holds sentimental value for the couple and guests. They offer a personal touch, formality, functionality, and customisability that digital invites may struggle to match. While digital invites have their place, especially for informal or last-minute events, paper invites remain a timeless choice for many couples.

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